The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has called on the Ministry of Education to promptly investigate allegations that a student was singled out because of his religion during a religious session led by an external visitor at a prominent secondary school.
Responding to questions from fijivillage News, Commission Director Loukinikini Lewaravu says the reports and video footage circulating on social media raised serious human rights and child protection concerns, although the facts of the matter are still being established.
Lewaravu says any situation in which a child feels targeted, pressured, humiliated or excluded because of their religion, beliefs, identity or background warrants careful examination.
She says every child has the right to learn in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, adding that schools should be places where all students feel valued regardless of their religion, ethnicity, background or beliefs.
Lewaravu stresses that no child should experience discrimination, intimidation, coercion or treatment that undermines their wellbeing, confidence, sense of belonging or educational experience.
She says child safeguarding extends beyond protecting children from physical harm and also includes protection from emotional and psychological harm, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, inappropriate behaviour, harmful practices and any form of pressure relating to personal beliefs, religion, culture or identity.
The Commission is reminding schools and other duty bearers that Section 22 of the 2013 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, conscience and belief, and provides that a child attending an educational institution cannot be required to receive religious instruction or participate in religious observances relating to a religion that is not their own without the consent of a parent or lawful guardian.
Lewaravu also highlighted Section 41 of the Constitution, which states that the best interests of the child must be the primary consideration in every matter concerning the child, including decisions and activities within the school environment.
The Commission is recommending that the Ministry of Education review policies governing external visitors and speakers to ensure appropriate vetting, supervision and child safeguarding standards are consistently applied across all schools.
They have also recommended that schools strengthen child safeguarding policies, establish clear codes of conduct for external visitors, including religious leaders, provide regular training on child rights and religious diversity, and ensure children and parents have safe and accessible avenues to raise concerns.
Lewaravu says Fiji's cultural and religious diversity is one of the country's greatest strengths, and schools play a vital role in fostering mutual respect, understanding and social cohesion.
The Commission says it stands ready to work with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to strengthen child safeguarding measures and ensure every child can learn in an environment that protects their rights, dignity and wellbeing.
Meanwhile, the Commission's statement follows public concern over a video circulating on social media that appears to show Christian preacher and content creator Osaslugo addressing students at a prominent secondary school in Lautoka during school hours.
In the footage, Osaslugo appears to single out a student identified as Muslim and tells him that because he does not follow Jesus Christ or Christianity, he will not go to heaven.
The video has drawn widespread criticism online, with many questioning whether the child was publicly singled out because of his religion and whether the school had approved the session.
Stay with us for updates.
